THE ANSWER CENTER

The Answer Center is your place to ask fellow eBay Community members questions about buying and selling on eBay, and for you to share your best information, tips, and insights to help other members get answers to their own questions.

Announcements

SELLER CENTER

EBAY COMMUNITY POLICIES

Our policies are designed to create a safe and fair environment for all eBay members. Learning what’s allowed can help you avoid unintentionally breaking the rules and helps everyone in working with reliable, trustworthy members.

My Profile

The eBay Community

This Crown Devon Fieldings creamer is clearly marked, "Sailors Farewell" but, the poem and picture are the "Sailors Return". I haven't been able to find any information on the "Sailors Return". I have found a few pieces of the 'Farewell', on line but, nothing on the 'Return'. The creamer measures, 3.25" tall, to the opening X 4.5" from outside of spout to outside of handle X 2.5" dia. base. Any information is much appreciate, thank you.

This was a gift and I am no expert so i thought I would ask. Photos are of coach bag and the info I have researched points to it being a fake but wanted second opinion. I have read that if it has the CC on the outside it wont on the inside. Thanks in advance for any info or advice. The number on the inside is M1K-6047.

2015 Spring Seller Update discussion

So this bracelet is stumping me. Tee construction feels right for art deco era, the metal is a potmetal type, has a faint silver plating, possibly rhodium, and theres lots of tiny rose cut marcasites. The clasp is foldover type, so not much help there.

Whats throwing me is the condition. All the marcasites are there (they do not appear to be prong set, but with marcasites this small Im not surprised), and they really sparkle. Other than a tiny bit of pitting to the metal on the back, the condition is really, really good. As if it was never worn, or even moved lol.

Jewelry & Gemstones Board Group

So I'm looking for advice on selling a large photo negative collection I purchased from a local auction house. It came in three large crates filled with slides from the 60's through the 90's from various NYC photo and advertising agencies as well as thousands of unlabeled slides. Most are of fashion models, black and white, many are of risque nudes or topless models and others are of NYC buildings graffitti etc. Most of the the slides are in numbered or cataloged sleves and various are labeled with the models name. I would imagine 30 thousand slides would be conservative plus hundreds of black and **bleep**e photos. Some signed others not. Just from an hour looking though I got nowhere. What is the best way to sell these?? As an entire collection?? Shipping would cost a fortune.

Jewelry & Gemstones Board Group

I require assistance identifying this copper/silver Dragon Brooch. It has no makers mark or other identifying markings. Maybe someone recognizes the style of this particular designer or has seen similar pieces? I haven't tested the silver yet. I also can't figure out the appoximate age and would love some suggestions. Thank you!

Jewelry & Gemstones Board Group

The most irritating thing about internet pages are the video advertisements that start up unbidden whenever you open the page. Usually these ads involve screeching music or grating voiceovers, which provoke nothing but hatred as the viewer scrolls up and down the page to find where the stupid ad is stuck so he can turn it off (and vow NEVER to buy that product/service). EBay in its complete lack of wisdom was destined to employ these ads eventually, and now they have, only with a typical eBay twist--you can't do a "mouse-over" enlargement to see the item in the auction without the video ad breaking through on top of what you are trying to see. View the screen shot below to see what happened when I tried to get a closer look at a cover in an auction that had an auto-video ad embedded in it--

Collectibles & Art discussion

they were a bonus in a box of junk jewelry I almost canned them and then I thought just test them! For some reason I remember them from some line of jewelry but I can't think of the name Anyone??? I think they are onyx and crystal Thank you so much

Pottery, Glass & Porcelain discussion

I would appreciate any help with info on this Boehm piece. I could not find any other Madonna bust like this in my searches and I wanted to make sure the signature on the bottom looked right. She is white bisque and measures, 8" tall X 5" long X 3.5" wide. There are some vertical manufacture lines visible in certain lighting, is this typical or would it be considered a defect? Thank you, to anyone looking at this post and anyone offering any help.

Pottery, Glass & Porcelain discussion

Are there any Boehm porcelain figurine collectors in the group? If so ...

I recently purchased this porcelain sculpture made by the artisans at Boehm Studios. It must be quite scarce, as I can only find one other example pictured anywhere online. The dealer who had this other example referred to it as "Trotting Foxhound". The sculpture is certainly a wonderful rendition of a tri-colored foxhound, but I was wondering if anyone knew if this was the correct name of the sculpture. I'd also be interested in knowing approximately when it was made.

The figurine is rather large and stands about 8 3/8" tall to the top of the tail. It measures approximately 10" long from the tip of his nose to the back of his right rear foot. It has a glossy finish. The underside of the hound's belly is hand signed with a Boehm script signature.

The hand signature on this piece suggests to me that it may be from the 1950's or 1960's, but I'd like some input on this. I'm also thinking that very few were likely produced. Does anybody have a Boehm porcelain reference that mentions this figurine? Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can provide!

Thank you for contacting Harman Audio. We’re sorry, but once checkout has been completed we cannot cancel the order. You may return any item purchased on our Web site for any reason, within the first 30 days. We'll gladly exchange your product or give you a refund for the full amount of the merchandise - whichever you prefer. No restocking fees. No questions asked.

Pottery, Glass & Porcelain discussion

I got this piece today. Saw it and just had to have it. It is a bronze lizard or, more likely, a horny toad. It is signed on the bottom, but it is really hard to make it out. It has a bale so I think it is a pendant. A really big, heavy pendant at 3 1/4" by 2 1/4". It is really neat looking.

Has anyone here seen anything like this? Or a point in the right direction.

Most appreciated!

tout

Antiques and Research

I've been looking at thrift stores for Barbie dolls--sifting through the ones that have totally mangled hair, or ruined outfits, and plucking out the good ones or ones that may only need a hair reroot. In doing so, I stumbled upon this gorgeous doll, stamped 1976 Mattel on the back of the head. However, I am unsure if the dress/ensemble she came in is the same year/the one she originally was sold with. The tag inside reads 'official Barbie fashion' and is white and pink. Her hips are able to twist left and right, and her legs are 'squishy' and somewhat bendy. Though, the year seems a bit late to be a TNT and so does the face. Below are pictures of the Barbie and her dress.

Barbie Collectors discussion

This was a old find many years back. My first impression was a grill mount Badge or it may be body mount for car - An double eagle with the number 32 in a triangle between the Eagle heads and the words (latin?) SPES MEA IN DEO EST on the banner below. Badge measures 3 inches in diameter - Original Bolt and washer on the back.

So I don't do repairs not even simple ones to scared of screwing it up.After my favorite necklace broke, I asked around on some collector boards and a lady in Seattle was highly recommended. So I sent off a few pieces to get repaired. Just got a call from them, they cannot repair my necklace Any thoughts or suggestions? She said the metal is too thick to be soldered and that using glue would not work.....I know she is probably right but I am praying for a miracle...It will be a few weeks before I get them all back, as they can repair my others...Simple gluing in stones and cleaning

My Mom has had this vase for years and years. We have looked everywhere (in books, online, etc.) trying to find out the maker of this vase. It isn't porcelain but seems to be more like pottery. It is completely hand painted. We have just always been curious as to the maker as my Mom would like to search for more pieces. Thanks again for any help you can give! We really appreciate it so much!!

Promote Your Auctions

Got these at an estate sale. First plate octagon shape, handles. The second plate is about 7 ¼ diameter etched flower , leaf design around the outside of the plate. Any help would be appreciated on age and manufacture

Fashion discussion

Recently acquired these two Boudoir Dolls. I was hoping someon could help me identify a maker? I know it's difficult to ID them, but I figured it was worth a shot. Also, I could use some help discovering what material their dresses are made of. Very silky to the touch, could it be silk? I know boudoir dolls were made/popular between 1916-1930's. How old could these be?

Lot's of questions, I know, so thank you for any help or thoughts you can provide!

Pottery, Glass & Porcelain discussion

Maybe this post would be more appropriate in another group, but I sure do like the good results I get here, so here goes ...

I recently purchased this nice amethyst oil lamp. The font has 9 panels with a rounded top. The stem and base are also 9-sided. The collar is old 2-line brass version. If original to the lamp, the collar type would suggest the lamp was made pre-1876. The lamp stands about 7 1/4" tall to the top of the collar and the base is approximately 3 3/4" wide.

Does anyone know the name of this lamp and/or the likely manufacturer. To me, it has a Boston Sandwich look to it, but I haven't been able to find this lamp in any of my books. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any assistance the group can provide!

Pottery, Glass & Porcelain discussion

I got this piece today. Saw it and just had to have it. It is a bronze lizard or, more likely, a horny toad. It is signed on the bottom, but it is really hard to make it out. It has a bale so I think it is a pendant. A really big, heavy

pendant at 3 1/4" by 2 1/4". It is really neat looking.

Has anyone here seen anything like this? Or a point in the right direction? Or, is there anyone who can decipher that signature.

Pottery, Glass & Porcelain discussion

Hi! Are there any Judith Leiber experts here? I have a friend's bag that she thinks is pretty special. She says it's probably one of Judith Leiber's first bags made in the 1950's or 1960's. I just don't know. I would like to find out more about this bag for her. It is, I think, alligator, and my friend calls it an attache. Here are a few pictures......

It measures about 16" x 6 1/2" x 10" plus a 5 1/2" handle drop. I've tried contacting the Judith Leiber museum in New York but they seem to be closed until Memorial Day. Anyone have any ideas? I can't find another example like this.

Since you've already paid for the item, you don't need to do anything else. If your item hasn't arrived yet, it should arrive soon. If it doesn't, then you'll want to open a case in our Resolution Center. You can learn how to do this, plus find timelines for opening cases, at:http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/item-not-received.html

We wish you all the best on eBay and hope your future experiences are pleasant and successful. If you have questions, please click "Help & Contact" at the top of most eBay pages."

--------------------------

Last night I tried to cancel the transaction unsuccessfully. I got this message from ebay!! :

Here's what we found for "I'm a buyer and I want to cancel a transaction"

Looks like you're not buying or selling this item. Choose another item, or look up an item number in My eBay.

-------------------

There is no link to call ebay because they do not detect a sale has commenced!!! no shipping: it's emailed!!

This AM I was sent Microsoft's download link in my in-box from the seller, along with the key. NOW I tried to cancel the transaction again and got the same message. It seems they didn't "ship" anything and ebay allowed paypal to pay the seller. Here it is below:

Getting Started question

She is so beautiful, I could not pass her up. Actually, it's the handmade clothing got me. Here is what I know: She is hard molded plastic, the head and arms are jointed. The eyes open and close. The legs and feet are stationary. The shoes are painted on. Possibly Nancy Ann? She is about 7.5" tall. Any expertise is greatly appreciated. Let me know if you need further info.

Collectibles & Art discussion

I posted this on the antique board with no responses so I am hoping someone here can help me out on this art nouveau style mirror. I found another on another site just like it only in an ivory color. It was described as French ivory/celluloid from 1915. I know the colors of celluloid can vary so what I am mainly interested in knowing before listing is if it is actually an older piece and made of celluloid . I am guessing it is judging by the patina, wear on the handle and style of the mirror glass. It is about 4.75" long and the mirror diameter is about 2 3/8" in diameter. Thanks in advance for any help.

Collectibles & Art discussion

There are a bunch of names and date around the front: W. Setna, Rocznice Przysiegi, T. Kosgiuszki, W. Krakowie, then 24. marca 1884. The back has the date 1794 next to the soldier on the left, and 1831 next to the soldier on the right. Then under the eagle 1772.

Then below that date is a small placque with the date 1863 where 2 crossed swords come together. Any information would be appreciated.

Selling discussion

We used to get a ton of sales from UK, Canada and Australia. Since the Global Shipping Progranm started, that business has all but died.

The only reason we are so vested in eBay is because of the international exposure.

There was a story in the UK's Guardian newspaper about Chinese sellers not having to pay VAT tax. This story got all the way to eBay management, and suddenly UK listings were getting a lot of exposure.

Now it's American sellers reaslly getting slammed. Views and sales are way, way down.

Why?

Because the Chinese pay NO shipping at all for their knockoff junk thanks to treaties and deals with Donahoe's cronies.

Because the Chinese have flooded the site with utter, utter trash.

Because buyers see eBay and they ASSOCIATE it with bad buying experiences, when they order from China and the item turns out to be cheap garbage or completely the wrong size/style/etc.

We demand equal footing and exposure. This is disgusting. Do something about it, eBay.

I just received a neutral feedback regarding a 45 rpm record that I sold. The feedback states that I claim the record to be in VG+ condition and that it looks good but is deceiving. In fact, I graded the record as VG- which is a huge difference.I contacted ebay and they wouldn't take care of it.

They stated that my customer is enitled to his opinion. I believe that this goes beyond that. His feedback is stating an untruth, regardless of his opinion or intent. I know that eBay can be less han helpful to we sellers, Still, I am bewildered as to how they believe this should be allowed to stand. Anyone have any experience with this kind of situation? Thanks

Selling discussion

I moved to of my items to the saved tab as soon as I seen them I paid for both but I still have a no big thing on my side every time I bid it says I have unpaid items but I do not have any unpaid items how do I fix it I get excited and want to bid on something and I know it's going to tell me I can't but I try to anyway help

Bidding & Buying discussion

I'm a newbie seller. I used the shipping estimator tool to calculate UPS cost to buyer. Buyer paid estimated cost. However, actual cost is lower than amount buyer paid. I found that out when printing label via PayPal.

**I now know to weigh & measure box before sending to get actual cost.**

What do you sellers do? Is it usual to refund amount buyer paid that is greater than actual cost? I did not say I would in my listing. However, I voluntarily did refund a previous buyer already because I felt I'm selling for a fixed price and shipping is above and beyond.

I am asking because I don't know what is customary and I want to do the right and moral thing.

Also, how do I generate a packing list for the box that reflects the sale as shown?

I had three eBay members message me asking for the ESN...all three of them had zero feedback points. After doing some research, I let them know that I was not willing to shre the ESN (or whatever it is called now) due to the risk of cloning, etc.

The phone has 27 bids, and they're all from 5 eBay members who have feedback scores of 0-2. Two of them are new accounts. After doing some reading, I have learned that many sellers have had folks like this not pay.

Last fall, I sold my iPhone 4S to a US address, but it ended up being forwarded to Ukraine and the buyer insisted that the phone had a counterfeit screen (iut did not) and gave me my first negative feedback since I joined eBay in 1998.

I'm not an electronics retailer--I'm just trying to sell our family phones that we have upgraded out of. Should I cancel my listing? Any tips on how to sell an iPhone on eBay without so much sketchiness?

Selling discussion

I have had problems in the past when I create a listing sometimes the shipping charges dissappear. It will still give the shipping option to the buyer but it will give it to them for free.

For example I had a pair of pants listed with shipping for $3.76 First-Class but Priority was listed as free.

You would think a buyer would see that there are charges for the other shipping option(s) and know there must be a mistake but they go for the free option.

This brings me to my question: I had a buyer open an account yesterday (03/29/15) and they bought a pair of pants from me. The same pair I mention above. They chose the "free" Priority shipping option.

Im suspicious of this buyer for a few reasons: the user name they chose is just a bunch of random letters with periods. They chose the obvious error "free" shipping option. The same day they opened an account they made a purchase from me.

I feel like they opened their account just to make a purchase from me. Is it so they can leave me negative feedback when I call them on the shipping charges? Is it so they can leave me negative feedback for some other reason? Is this a buyer on my blocked list trying to get around it?

What should I do? Refund them their money? Ask for the additional shipping? Its not even about the money so much as I feel like there are ulterior motives at work. Like I am being manipulated. Is there a way I could ask these questions to the buyer without causing a problem?

Heres another question: can I include in my Terms and Conditions section "I reserve the right to refuse service" or something along those lines?

Selling discussion

I've been buying and selling a long time on eBay. I know my way around the system, more or less.

If I open an INR and the seller provides tracking and closes it and I then get a brick in a box, can I open a SNAD because I got a brick and not a box of dolls?

I have every reason to believe this seller is a scam artist, at this point. It's about a $50 order, and the seller is giving me every excuse in the book including "flu" and "her roommate moved out ad took them with her."

My Account discussion

the seller send me a false truck no. for return item,and request me to change the feedback to possitive-this was by mail through ebay-what is i can do with him?till now i did not accpet to change the feedback

How/When do they go away? I just got one this weekend from someone leaving me a POS FB with low stars. Please explain how the defect system works and how long these things hang around. I think I have 3 defects already. Thank You

Selling discussion

I have recently sold an item which the buyer has not yet collected but the PayPal payment has been made. I have now found a fault in the item which I have reported to the buyer and the buyer has, very reasonably, offered a reduced bid (which is acceptable to me). How do I set about accepting it and ensuring that PayPal pay the buyer the difference between what she has paid already and what I have agreed as the final price?

Selling discussion

I ordered original flavor nicotine gum, and received mint flavor. I started a "return for refund", printed the shipping label, and shipped the package off to the seller (package still in transit per tracking number). Seller contacted me, and said that they would send me the correct gum, if I cancelled the return. I'm fine with this, but what if the seller never sends it? Should I close the return? If so, what is the procedure for this? Or, does the seller have to close it? Under the seller link for the item sold, I know there is an option to issue refund. Is there also an option to issue replacement? Thanks

Buying & Selling Basics discussion

I bought 2 Buy It Now items from a seller yesterday. He offers combined shipping, so I clicked Request Invoice From Seller on my shopping cart page. I wrote a nice note requesting combined shipping and clicked Commit to Buy. An error message from ebay popped up telling me my request could not be completed at that time. I tried again a couple minutes later but got the same error. When I tried a 3rd time, I noticed ebay had duplicated my original order and I was committed to buying all 4 items even though ebay had said my request couldn't be processed. I've tried to cancel the duplicate orders and I've contacted the seller twice, with no response. Ebay said the seller has 3 days to reply to my request, but they confirmed that I have to pay for all 4 items plus full shipping in just 2 days (by tomorrow night). Am I stuck with this duplicated purchase because of a computer glitch?

i've read yea and no to adding a buy it now to a listing after it has started. a possible buyer asked me if I would sell earlier and asked me for a price. I'm cool with the amount ... is this against the 'rules'?

Selling discussion

Hello, Im writing you to request to increase the selling limit for the webside ebay.com there is a helpline on that. Can be done this increase but unfortunately I can not call the helpline - the voice is telling me that calling number does not exist. i hope that it is possible

user ID: ercz360

Thank you, Best Regards

Selling question

Since the buyer never went to the post office to pick up the package I don't think that I should be responsible for paying the shipping fees again. Can I ask him to pay them? If so, how do I get him to pay me?

Selling question

I just started doing ebay again recently after 3 years or so off. When I left the jewelry board was hopping! When I finally figured out where this board was (!) again I was surprised by the lack of participation. Did something happen? Did ebay mess things up for the boards? Just curious. Lisa

Selling discussion

I have sold on Ebay for years but have recently added an account for only personal items. I want the item location to only say my state not the town I live in. How do I change that? I have never needed to do this so a little baffled. Thanks in advance!

I am trying to do research on some items I would like to sell and as I look at other peoples listings I see they sold 23 of this particular item but is there a way to tell how long it took them to sell those 23 items?

Tools & Apps question

I've read through ebay's help regarding fees. "Insertion fees are free for your first 50 listings per calendar month." I've listed 25 items with no fees. 25 total, for the year. When I try to list my 26th item (it's a geocoin, or a game token), I'm told I don't qualify for a free insertion fee. Why is this?

Selling question

I have 2 strings of beads sitting in my purchase history waiting to be paid for. Paypal insists that I change my address. The listing said WILL ship to Australia and Free Shipping. I buy a LOT of beads from China and rarely have a problem. I contacted the seller asking them to please update their shipping so that I could pay...this usually works as it's a simple error. But not this time!

The next thing I get is a message from eBay telling me that the seller told them that I requested to cancel the transaction! I refused teling eBay that I had never made that request and only wish to be abe to pay for my items. And it seems that was the end of it!

I'm an American living in Australia. Unless I can figure out how to deal with this through eBay, I feel I have no choice but to contact someone to invoke Australian consumer protection law, which is IMHO excessively strict. I know it because I operate a business here.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to either get this seller to honor the listing, or to get eBays attention? I do not want this hanging over my head it's 2 lousy strings of beads at under $2!

At this point I wonder if it would be easier to just change the address to my daughter in Illinois and let her give the crystal beads to the kids to play with, and find another seller to get what I need to complete the necklace I'm working on!

I really need help with this....but thank you also for listening to me vent my frustration!

Cheers!

Pam

Payments question

How can it happen that the same buyer was able to bid on an item of mine, but not pay for either one within the span of two weeks. I opened a case on each one. The first was closed without receiving payment. Ebay said this buyer would now have this posted against her account, but then she was able to purchase again from me within a couple weeks and is now not paying for the second item. I've opened another case and am still waiting. How is this buyer able to make another purchase from me so soon? Isn't there any sort of accountability. Can we all just go around and say we are going to pay for something and then not (making it a mess for the seller) without any repercussions?

Selling question

So I win the bid for what looked like a nice glass item. It arrived broken and was poorly packaged in newspaper and bubble envelope. Seller is unable to replace parts that were broken which is what I would have preferred. Seller has offered to refund me when I return item. I feel seller should pay for return shipping since I paid for an item including shipping that was advertised as new and now have paid the shipping for a broken item. Seller has now stated they will "refund" me when I return the item. Shouldn't the seller send me a prepaid postage label instead? Otherwise I am out shipping twice along with the cost of the item, and will not only not have a broken item but no item.

Selling question

So, it's a little wierd, and I do not know how to get about dealing with it, if I have to, but I shipped an item through Ebay prepaid labels and I weighed it about 11 1/2 LBS. But when the label was printed, it had said 14 LBS. I do not know how that happened, but is this ok? Or would this shoot flags at the PO?